The Weekend

Pap & Chris took Austin to Somerset today to see over 1000 cars in a car show. Pap took both boys last time to look at vintage cars, and Matthew was bored and wanted to leave soon after they got there. So, this time only Austin went while Matthew stayed home and had lunch at Chili's with Caleb & Anna. He plays well with Anna and both he and Austin love Cousin Caleb.

Matthew's first soccer game was this morning. He scored two goals and several close attempts. He seems to enjoy it; Anna plays on his team as well. Anna is aggressive and runs to get the ball and likes kicking it! I think they are learning a lot about the game.

Last night we had a perfect drive to Parkette and then a walk around the Arboretum. The gardens there are so beautiful. I love going there and the evening was cool and just right for wandering around.

Boys Day Out & Remembering Dad

This little space (I wouldn't call it a garden) is where a huge evergreen tree was cut down (due to damage from last year's ice storms). The three knockouts you see, and if you look to the right there is a white Crape Mrytle. Our wonderful neighbors brought this over to us with a beautiful card when daddy died. It went through a time of "shock" but with lots of water, it's come back and will one day be beautiful. The little concrete statue was dads. He would put birdseed in it and it was up on his deck by his patio door. He sat right inside that door for years (when he was well he would feed the birds and squirrels). So, this is my little reminder of my good daddy.

Clyde wanted to take the boys (big and little) camping. He decided this on his own, with no suggestions from me (thank you). I was happy that he wanted to do this, but doubtful (as much as I hate to admit it). I was afraid the grown sons just wouldn't have a weekend they wanted to devote totally to the trip. They both work late most days, have boys to take places like soccer or baseball practice, and ladies they like to spend time with!

However, it was planned for this weekend to head for Carter Caves. They would pull the popup and the girls would stay home. When we woke up this morning (Sat.) the weather was not looking good with a forecast of storms tonight (as of yet, we have not seen storms?) It did rain today, but they decided on a day trip. According to Clyde, it was a success. They stopped at McD's for breakfast, headed for Carter Caves, went through a couple of caves, and had a grilled out picnic. Because the plates were in the camper, I didn't pack all they needed! But the major supplies were there...hotdogs, hamburgers (with tomatoes & lettuce), chips, fruit, snacks & cupcakes! Thanks to my two favorite sons for taking the day to make dad happy and memories for the boys.

Kindergarten

I know a few of you read this blog, b/c you ask about it. Thanks! A few months ago, when I stopped posting as often, my camera card started this weird thing when I download pics here. When I click "preview" they actually are "THERE" but while making the new post, they have all this "computer language" and no picture. It is hard to type a caption to photos you don't know are there! Anyway, enough about this problem, as I've mentioned it too many times! I guess it's, in a small way, like faith in God....you have to believe! I do...how 'bout you!

I picked up the boys last week when Becky had to go back to school for a team leader's meeting. I met her at Ms. (Mrs.) Judy's, Maggie's day care provider. She does this out of her home, so I didn't put the day and care together....right or wrong? Anyway, Becky loves her already. She is a Christian, so they have Beth Moore studies to talk about in common. She teaches the kids something each day (as well as much needed playtime). When I picked MJ up, she had learned "triangles" and had made one using popsicle sticks. She could name the triangle, and we found several that afternoon.

I had lunch with Austin yesterday (Friday) as Fayette Co. students and hourly employees were out of school. I liked Huntertown. The ride out the Huntertown Rd. was beautiful. Nice houses, really nice ones in the neighborhood near the school. Austin ate first, and my plan was to meet up with him, then when he left the cafeteria, go to sit and finish with Matthew. Austin was very helpful and considerate. He showed me where to go and tried hard to make me welcome. He was so good in the hallway, going through the line, not talking in the hallway, just all around. He seemed happy to see me, but I didn't see him with the others (teachers or students), as we sat alone at the table.

Matthew didn't see us sitting at the table, and I didn't see his table come in. I looked around the cafeteria before I asked about his class and didn't see him. The lady in there wasn't helpful, I guess she was still new to the job. So, I went back out the door and stood too long, as older kids started coming...I knew that wasn't good! So, I went back in and asked another lady (that looked like a teacher) if she knew Ms. Harvey; she pointed her out and Ms. Harvey told me the class was leaving:( I found Matthew quickly, and got a couple of pictures (one I can't post as a student was in it). Since I missed sitting with him, I asked her if I could walk him back to class; so that's what I did.

The hummingbirds have really been hitting the feeders hard. Every day, all day. If I had more feeders, they would eat on them as well. There are three birds that I know of. It appears the "mean" one is dark black and dominates. The greenish one seems to be able to eat at the feeder w/o this little black one hitting at it. However, when the "outsider" (or third one) comes by, the black one attacks! There have been a few times that all three of them are flying around. I have two feeders at this time. I am LOVING them! So fun, so little. When I sit on my screened porch, I listen to them "buzz" in. They have been sitting (perching) and eating for quite awhile at each visit. I am very glad they made it back to my yard. I was concerned!

I know the fishpond is a constant "worry" or headache for Clyde, but I love it as well. This makes my day so special. Today was mild out (in comparison to the HEAT lately) and I sat outside by the pond, in the shade and read....well, mostly I watched the hummingbird feeders!

CPA Social

Tonight we had the first CPA class social of the year. We hope to have one monthly on the same weekend. Each couple will sign up for a date and they can choose to meet at their house or out to eat...whatever, just to keep us connected. I like to have things at my house outside, except for small groups inside. Having it in August, we knew it would be HOT outside; but it's usually pleasant late in the evening, under the trees. Clyde and I went out after the pop up shower, and set up the tent (with the screen around it). We got out the tables, set them up with coverings, all plates, etc., out there and as the first couple came....so did the VERY dark clouds. Then the clouds burst! We all scrambled to set up on the screen porch with the food inside. I had planned on having appetizers first, then when it cooled down, we were planning to roast hotdogs. So, we were flexible:) We ate yummy sausage balls (thanks Kathy C.) and I made a big cheeseball. So that was nice, while others started coming (through a very heavy rain). Now, at our house, it hadn't rained for a very long time. So, we did not complain. Timing was bad for cornhole and campfire, but we had a very nice night. Clyde grilled the dogs, we dressed them up, had wonderful dressed eggs, baked beans, pasta salad & mac & cheese....all yummy. Strawberry cake (so moist!), dipped strawberries and chocolate brownie bites with frosting (I love chocolate). We talked and laughed, caught up until almost 10:00! Pretty late for "old" folk. Thanks all for a nice evening.

Odds & Ends

Went by to see mom & Kent this afternoon, and saw something that I don't recall ever seeing. My mom's car in the garage! Now, for most of us, we have never known a time when our cars didn't sit snug as a bug in shelter. However, my dad has had more tools, woodworking & automotive than most men (women) would have in many lifetimes. Therefore, their garages (through the years) were just too full. Unfortunate for mom! Now, they have had a yard sale and sold many things. They have thrown away and given away many more things. Today, for the first time....yeah....it fits (barely)!!!!

Kindergarten

Tomorrow's the big day. Austin and Matthew are off to Kindergarten. They are attending Huntertown Elementary in Woodford Co. They will be dropped off at the door, new backpacks, new clothes & shoes, and cookies for their teachers. Into a whole new world. A story ready to begin. Public School. I will cry on my way to school, I will cry as my Kindergarten class comes through my door, and will think of them all day. They don't belong to me, but they sure have my heart. I will pray for Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Harvey.
When I dropped Becky off in her Ki classroom, I stopped at the backdoor of the school and cried. The principal was near and told me "it's harder on you than it is on her". She was right. Becky loved school, her teacher, and everything about elementary school. She had a great experience....I know her boys will as well. Blessings to Austin, Matthew, Ellie, and all the 1st time students.
Have a great year of learning kids, and teaching Becky, and all the other public & private school teachers. You have an awesome job and a responsibility that is priceless. To Megan at GES, Emily at Huntertown, Sara at Nicholasville Ele., my friends at CME and Becky & Jessica at WCH....BLESSINGS!